Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Knee Active Range of Motion
🎬
Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
Ask the patient to move each knee through the full range of motion in flexion and extension. Compare sides and note any pain or restriction.
How to Interpret
Showing 0 of 6 findings
This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.
References
Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.
- Solomon DH, Simel DL, Bates DW, Katz JN, Schaffer JL. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have a torn meniscus or ligament of the knee? Value of the physical examination. JAMA. 2001;286(13):1610-1620. doi:10.1001/jama.286.13.1610. PMID: 11585485.
- Fowler PJ, Lubliner JA. The predictive value of five clinical signs in the evaluation of meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy. 1989;5(3):184-186. doi:10.1016/0749-8063(89)90168-0. PMID: 2775390.
- Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, Wells GA, et al. Prospective validation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. JAMA. 1996;275(8):611-615. PMID: 8594242. (Derivation: Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26(4):405-413. PMID: 7574120.)
- Deepak S, Priti G, Zishu T, Chetan P. The sitting active and prone passive lag test: a validity study in a symptomatic knee population. J Phys Ther Sci. 2023;35(5):312-319. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.312. PMID: 37131358. PMC10149295.
- Kastelein M, Luijsterburg PAJ, Wagemakers HPA, Bansraj SCS, Berger MY, Koes BW, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Diagnostic value of history taking and physical examination to assess effusion of the knee in traumatic knee patients in general practice. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90(1):82-86. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2008.06.027. PMID: 19154833.
- Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
- Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.
Research last updated September 10, 2026.
Related Diagnoses
Related Chief Complaints
Related Systems / Regions
Related Bedside Tests
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Knee Passive Range of Motion
Rule in:SHKnee Osteoarthritis, IEKnee Effusion, IELoose Body +2 more
Rule out:HKnee Osteoarthritis, IEKnee Effusion, IELoose Body +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ottawa Knee Rule
Rule in:MHKnee Fracture
Rule out:VHKnee Fracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Knee Strength
Rule in:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy, IEFunctional Neurologic Disease +2 more
Rule out:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy, IEFunctional Neurologic Disease +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Knee Anterior Drawer
Rule in:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Knee Posterior Drawer
Rule in:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
